Stitches are microscopic cracks that appear in the corners of the lips. At first glance, this problem may seem insignificant. However, it causes a lot of trouble.
It becomes difficult for a person to eat, smile and even talk. At the same time, angulitis can occur not only in children, but also in adults, so everyone should have at least some idea about this disease. Let's try to figure out what causes jams in the corners of the mouth, and what treatment methods exist today.
general information
Angulitis is an inflammatory process of the oral mucosa that can occur for a variety of reasons. In the absence of therapy, it can gradually spread to the skin. Moreover, external manifestations are only the tip of the iceberg, since the problem is more serious than it might seem at first glance. Damage to the epidermis may indicate the presence of any pathologies or various diseases that require immediate treatment.
Why are there jams in the corners of the lips? The answer to this question will be provided in the following sections of the article, but for now it is worth noting that in most cases, angulitis begins with redness and irritation of the skin in the mouth. Then, redness and irritation of the epidermis and mucosa, as well as peeling of the epiblast, can be added to the primary manifestations.
The seriousness of the disease in this case is that open wounds are a source of various viruses and infectious diseases penetrating into the body, which significantly aggravate the patient’s clinical picture and well-being.
How does angular stomatitis develop?
Before we talk about what jams come from, let's understand the development process of this ailment. According to profiled experts, the formation of cracks in the edges of the mouth is primarily caused by a malfunction in the functioning of the immune system, due to which the metabolism is disturbed in the body. At risk for streptococcal impetigo are people who have various chronic diseases.
What are the jams in the corners of the lips? Due to exposure to external adverse factors, for example, hypothermia or prolonged use of potent antibiotics, the microflora is disturbed, and the immune system suffers greatly, which is accompanied by various negative manifestations in the human body, and the oral cavity is primarily affected.
The thing is that a huge amount of harmful microorganisms is constantly present in the mouth, the activity of which is suppressed by the protective functions of the body. But if immunity is weakened, then bacteria and viruses are activated, which is manifested by the formation of bubbles in the corners of the lips, filled with a yellowish liquid. So the first stage of the disease begins, after which it begins to progress and new symptoms appear.
Reasons for the development of angular stomatitis
So, here we come to the answer to the question of why there are jams in the corners of the mouth. If some kind of malfunction occurs in our body or a malfunction occurs in the functioning of internal organs and systems, then ideal conditions for their life activity are created for harmful microorganisms. The immune system ceases to cope with its tasks, as a result of which cheilitis develops in people.
The main reasons for the appearance of such an ailment include:
- diseases of the digestive system;
- violation of the intestinal microflora;
- failures in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- lack of vitamins;
- lack of iron and zinc;
- decrease in body resistance to adverse factors;
- prolonged use of antibiotics;
- allergic reactions of various etiologies;
- poor oral care;
- prolonged exposure to cold or extreme heat;
- candidiasis;
- pathogenic bacteria;
- viral diseases.
And from what else are there jams? Very often, angular stomatitis develops in people with diabetes. In this case, the disease is difficult to treat and does not go away for a long period of time.
Angulitis classification
Many people are interested in the question of what kind of jams. In modern medicine, there is no single classification, and the disease is divided into several types, depending on its etiology. In the cold season, cheilitis most often develops due to a long stay in the cold and with a deficiency of vitamins, as a result of which chronic diseases worsen in a person.
In the warm period, the disease makes itself felt due to damage to the oral mucosa by fungi and viruses, as well as various infections.
What causes jamming on the lips most often? Herpes is a disease familiar to many people. In the absence of proper treatment, it can cause various complications, one of which is angulitis. The whole difficulty lies in the fact that the clinical manifestations of cheilitis has much in common with some other diseases of the oral cavity, so it is very difficult to determine its presence in a timely manner.
In addition, each ailment requires a different therapy, therefore it is not recommended to self-medicate at home. And it is better to immediately seek help from a medical institution.
Angular stomatitis of fungal origin is most often caused by damage to the mucous membrane of the candida. They are constantly present in the oral cavity, but are suppressed by immunity. If it fails, then the fungus activates and begins its activity. In addition to reducing protective functions, angulitis can be associated with a change in the emotional background or with hormonal failure.
Is the disease transmitted?
So, we figured out what causes jams in the corners of the mouth, as well as what they are. But here, probably, everyone will have a completely logical question: is angular stomatitis contagious? It all depends on the etiology of the disease.
If it is of a fungal, bacterial or viral nature, then other people and family members can take the disease through common objects such as dishes, towels, toothbrushes, etc. If cheilitis is caused by a malfunction in the immune system or a deficiency vitamins, then he poses no threat to others.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
This article has already been examined in detail from what there are jams, but in order to start treatment on time it is also necessary to have an idea of the symptoms. It has a pronounced character, so it is very simple to determine the ailment on your own.
Most often, it is accompanied by the following manifestations:
- Small bubbles appear in the edges of the mouth.
- Over time, they burst and bleeding sores form in their place.
- Affected areas of the skin become inflamed and flaky.
- Burning sensation and itching during eating.
- Unpleasant sensations when sour or salty on sores.
- Pain when trying to open your mouth wide.
The symptoms listed above can simultaneously be accompanied by a deterioration in the condition of the hair and nails, as well as the skin on the face and throughout the body.
Diagnosis of angular stomatitis
It’s accurate to say why there are jams in the corners of the mouth, only a doctor can. The thing is that it is possible to determine the cause of the development of the disease only after passing laboratory tests. To do this, take a scraping from the affected areas of the skin and mucous membrane of the oral cavity.
If the presence of fungi, bacteria and viruses is not detected, then a general blood test is prescribed. If he shows a low level of hemoglobin, then anemia is most likely behind angular stomatitis. Without fail, the level of B vitamins in the body is checked. Doctors may also be interested in glucose readings. If they are too deviated from the norm, then this indicates the presence of diabetes.
In the case when the doctors after all the tests fail to determine the cause of angulitis, tests for sexually transmitted diseases are prescribed. Cheilitis often occurs with syphilis and some other diseases of the STD group.
The main methods of treatment
You already have a detailed idea of why there are jams and what kinds of them exist. As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to start treatment as early as possible, before the disease has not yet begun to progress significantly. It is important to understand that the therapy for each case will be different. However, regardless of the etiology of angular stomatitis, treatment should be comprehensive.
It includes the following activities:
- Taking medications of general and local action.
- Vitamin Therapy. It can be based both on medications and on a special diet.
- Means of traditional medicine.
To maximize the effectiveness of therapy, doctors recommend using all of the above methods in combination.
Modern medicine
So, having a detailed idea of what causes jams, we can talk about the treatment of the disease. It is based on the use of specialized medicines aimed at:
- elimination of pain;
- increase body resistance.
Medications can neutralize the pathogenic microflora, which led to the development of angulitis.
The most common high-performance products are as follows:
- Antiseptics. Designed to rinse the mouth and rinse the affected areas of the epidermis.
- "Metronidazole". It has an antiseptic effect, suppressing the activity of harmful microorganisms.
- Tetracycline ointment. The composition of the medicine includes antibiotics, which can significantly accelerate the healing process.
- Iodine or Zelenka. They cauterize ulcers in order to prevent infections from entering the body.
- "Clotrimazole." Excellent antifungal.
- Triderm. The drug is a hormonal group.
The treatment program is selected individually based on the clinical picture of the patient and the etiology of cheilitis. It also includes the use of complex vitamin preparations aimed at strengthening the immune system.
Alternative medicine
In the treatment of angular stomatitis, folk remedies are very effective.
Here are some of them:
- Lotions with olive oil.
- Ointment based on butter and apples. 50 grams of both components are taken, frayed on a fine grater and thoroughly mixed, after which it is applied to the edges of the lips.
- Washing sores with decoctions of sage or chamomile.
In addition, it is very important to monitor the quality of your diet. Every day you need to eat foods rich in vitamins and nutrients.
Conclusion
Angulitis is a very common disease that not only gives a person a lot of inconvenience, but also significantly affects the state of health. Therefore, its treatment is recommended to start as soon as possible. Adhering to the tips and recommendations discussed in this article, you can quickly defeat angular stomatitis and return to a normal lifestyle.